Tag Archives: Liam

Meeting the Newest Character

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The kids were so excited to come and meet Bryant.  Normally, we would have them up at the hospital in the morning, they would hang out there all day playing in the waiting room or at the playground (which is a great playground by the way) and then go eat lunch and if I was close (which I’m usually not) they would hang out some more and if I wasn’t (which is the case) they would head for naps and be back up long before I delivered.  But, since Zoe decided to, um “spill the beans” earlier that morning, we decided to have them wait at home and see if she let loose any more stomach contents.  Which she didn’t…which leads us to believe she just ate a little too much or had a little something that didn’t agree with her tummy the previous night.  So, we intended to call them when I got really close.  But close came right before naptime and baby came right near naptime. 

As Mark put it to Zoe, “you guys wouldn’t have even had time to get your shoes on and he was born.”

So, we opted to just have them come up right after naps.  It worked out great because they arrived right as we were getting settled in our post delivery room.

Zoe was very patient about waiting for her turn to hold Bryant.  But she definitely wanted to get her hands on him.  She is really enjoying showing him off when we have visitors at the house too!

Not quite sure about his hair!
Ace is still laying claims to the ultimate baby lover title.  He just loves holding babies!
Liam enjoyed meeting him but had to know how he came out of my tummy…yet again.  This is an ongoing conversation between us.  Now, just how do you tell a 4 year old something that is very personal and that he has the potential to repeat without lying to him.  I think I did it right but he just giggled and laughed when I told him.  So far, he hasn’t repeated it to anyone (keep your fingers crossed people…for the sake of my blushing skin).
It took Josiah a second to realize that Bryant wasn’t still in my tummy.  The next day, he crawled up beside Ace (who had to have first dibs) and kept whispering, “Hewwo Bwyant!”  All the while patting his head.

Ceili Rain decided he was all hers.  We think her main thought was that he was a doll.  Bryant had been very alert and finally settled into a good sleep when we got to our room.  So, he was still and had his eyes closed.  A sure sign to a 16 month old that mommy had been gone all day to get her a baby doll.

She also didn’t want to share him with anyone else and squeezed him tight when we tried to tell her she was all done.  The next day, when he did stir she looked around at us.  I’m surprised she didn’t flip him over to find the batteries.

We make up “labor bags” for the kids to keep them occupied on labor day.  This year, we included card games much to their delight.

Papa had the job of teaching them how to play the games though!

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FREEDOM

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I love Facebook and visiting with our friends.  I also love that I can get ideas on how our friends do things.  Case in point…one of our tehcno friends from high school posted a picture of his daughter in a “freedom center” which was made with zip ties and cheap tension gates.  After trying to school with Ginger and Ceili Rain terrorizing (equally mind you) the other kids, I requested one.

I could only find two gates to go with the one we had, so this is the first attempt:

It was small but served it’s purpose until I could purchase another gate.  Which I did the next day.  The result is a great play area/containment area for when I need to just deal with one toddler (be it canine or human).  We attached Ginger’s kennel to it so she can have a little more room.  We only use the kennel when we’re out.  Now she has room to play or sleep and eat.  And, as you can see, the kids like to get in and play with her too.

Ceili Rain loves it too.  I have a box of toys that she can get out and play with while in the Freedom Center (and try to keep it specifically for that area).  She’ll play for a good bit and then want out.   But first, she’ll pick up all her toys and put them back in the box.  And, as you can guess…the boys enjoy climbing in and playing with Ceili Rain too. (And yes, I am always around when Ceili Rain is in the center)

Disclosure:  We got the name for our Freedom Center from Uncle B & Aunt B who had to build a permanent one (bolted to the floor) when the twins came along!  Thanks for the name guys!

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Slidin’ Fun

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We love slip n’ slides!  Last year, the kids got a dual slider from Ge & Granddaddy and that was a blast with the cousins and throughout the summer.  However, while playing with some friends, it developed a hole.  Mark’s in the process of patching it but one hot June day (and believe me we’ve had quite a few), we needed to get the kids wet.  A cheap slip n’ slide was purchased and here’s the result…

It’s so much more fun when daddy flings you across the slide!
or using buckets to fill up and throw water on each other.
Ceili Rain has turned into a most loved water tot.  Finally!  She spent the first year pretty scared of getting wet but she loves sprinklers and getting soaked.
Look closely and you’ll see that Ceili Rain also loves sitting in mud! (and I promise that is mud)

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My First Lapbook

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A long time ago, I came across a website called Lapbook Lessons.  It was so long ago, I can’t remember where I found the link.  Anyway, they had a cute free lapbook for big brothers and I decided to try out our first lapbook on Liam (and Josiah…but that meant I did most of his book).  It was a success.

For those that don’t know, lapbooks or folder books or whatever you have to call them because someone copyrighted lapbooks, are books put together using file folders.  We made a double one which meant we used two folders.  We included all sorts of pockets, wheels, and other different forms of information regarding what it means to have a new baby in the house.  Liam loved it.  He also enjoys showing everyone the information.

So, for now, I do believe we’ll be continuing with lapbooks…although they are a bit time consuming, so they won’t be a constant part of our homeschool days!

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And a trip to Ge & Granddaddy’s…

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We planned and attended a trip at the end of May to Ge & Granddaddy’s house.  This was supposed to be out last big trip out of town…but Ge had other plans for a visit.  During our visit we went to a craft show where Granddaddy sells pens that he makes using a lathe (I call it a ladle because it drives him insane when I do that).
Zoe helped…
Ceili Rain showed off her walking skills.
It was a nice open area so the kids were able to run (and sit) freely with out us worrying if they were in someone’s way or about to be run over by a car.
We also celebrated Granddaddy and Aunt D’s (his sister) retirement.  
Liam enjoyed the cakes…I made it using cake mix because my “from scratch” batch fell to pieces (which I’ve promptly salvaged and shaped into a dinosaur for Ace’s birthday…first time ever making a 3D cake).
He also rocked out with the shades.
Zoe and cousin J made a sheet of paper and walked around having everyone sign it.  It was really sweet.  Zoe took the time to present it to him.  I was excited to see her walking up to complete strangers and asking them to sign it.  She’ll do anything for her grands!
I was excited that we were able to finally give him this book.  It’s full of letters from various football players, coaches, and friends.  We started working on this about three years ago when he announced he was retiring.  And then didn’t.  It’s been an on again off again project…but now it’s done.
These are two coaches dad has coached with the longest.  They aren’t just coaches, they’re very good friends and have been through a lot together.
And they all love to talk…especially Coach H!
Laughing is always necessary!!!
I’ve grown up with these men and women around me and I love seeing their smiling faces.
We also attended another craft show (on Memorial day)…
They had a kids’ area and tow of the kids chose to ride ponies…Josiah…and
Liam.
Ceili Rain chose to watch.
Zoe and Ace chose to do this wheel thingy where they were strapped in facing each other and the lady spun them around (she could have spun them 360 degrees…but they freaked out).  I wish I could have gotten pictures of their faces…it was hilarious…but our battery died.
And there, soon after, was the Great Van Incident (click here and here if you missed out on that little gem)….nothing like almost losing a wheel to end a fun filled adventurous weekend.

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Roasting…

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Actually, right now, it does feel quite like we’re roasting as we are hitting a scorching heat wave…and I’m pregnant.  Suddenly, having this baby the sooner the better sounds nice (really and truly though I’m content to wait it out…I’ll sweat off whatever weight I gain I guess!).

However, back in May we did some real roasting.  Whenever we gather at Papa’s house it’s become a tradition to set up a fire and roast marshmallows…no matter how hot or how cold it is outside.  Our trip up in May was no exception.  And here’s our proof that it was enjoyed by all.

Papa whittling sticks to use to roast.
Liam was ready (so sorry but all of these side shots are not swapped around.  You know the drill).
Doing the deed…now, to me a proper roasted marshmallow means it’s on fire when you pull it out and 3/4 of the way burned…however, Papa has a technique that he’s passing down to his grands…and it requires patience and time and you get a perfectly roasted marshmallow.  I still prefer a little charcoal on mine though.
Finger lickin’ good.  Note the train in hand…always gotta have your train.
Observing the festivities.

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The Not So Good News

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I did fail the one hour glucose test.  So a few weeks ago, I started checking my sugar levels twice a day.  Today, I got to go see Dr. J and go over my numbers.  I thought they looked great…especially my after meal numbers.  The problem was with the numbers after fasting all night.  Those were borderline high.  Because of that, and because my diet really is pretty good (minus the icees), Dr. J opted to put me on a medicine at night.  Here’s the mystery to me though.  A couple of nights ago, I had ice cream and red velvet cake (not a slap of healthy in sight) and my numbers in the morning were the lowest they’ve been.  I’ve noticed that when I eat ice cream at night my numbers tend to be lower…am I on to something here that could be beneficial for pregnant ladies everywhere???  I think doctors should order a study to see if ice cream at night helps lower blood sugar in the morning…I’ll be the first to volunteer.

And now some lighter news…
Mark met me at the doctor’s office to entertain the kids while I was waiting on and seeing Dr. J.  There’s a great little playground between the office and hospital so they were thrilled to be there.  Aside from Ace suffering a traumatic fall which seemed to only hurt when he spied what he thought might be blood on his arm…it was a good time.  Mark relayed the following story to me…

Liam was hanging on a piece of equipment and two moms had come in with their kids.  Mark eavesdropped on their conversation with Liam.

Mom:  Are you a monkey?

Liam:  Yes ma’am.  My mommy says I am.  She tells me “Monkey, monkey!  Who’s my monkey?”

I need to be really careful what I teach them!  But that is our special song and it’s fun to share it with him…usually he’s swinging (I mean swinging) from my arm when we sing it.

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How Does Your Garden Grow…

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Like we don’t have enough to do…I finally decided this year was the year we would start learning to garden.  However, we decided not to go it alone.  While Mark and I ventured out on our Babymoon, we enlisted the help of a very generous Papa. 

But, before we left, there was some hard labor to do…

and Mark was recruited for the job.  Now, our goal was not to create this elaborate garden.  Just a small garden that we can “cut our teeth on.” 

Ace was a big help and enjoyed working with Papa and Daddy.

Actually, all the kids got in to it.  Here they are digging into an impromptu compost pile and getting some good soil!

Papa not only showed them how to get the garden started but also taught them about life using object lessons from the garden.

This is built outside of our very small back yard, so we wanted a fence around it to keep neighbor cats and critters out of.

The kids have been very diligent in their watch care over the garden.  When weeds just started peeping out, I was ordered told that we needed to weed.  Out we went, and Zoe and Ace went to work.  No bending from me was needed.

And their hard work is paying off.  This isn’t a recent picture of the garden but one from two to three weeks ago.  As of now, we have about 20 squash buds and two to three already forming squash.  The tomato plants (we have about three) are yielding about 10 little green tomatoes.  The kids are super excited to see the plants grow each day we go out to water.  This has been a great starter.  I’ve still got to run to the hardware store and pick up a few herb plants to add to it.   Stay tuned to see how our garden grows!

By the way, if you know anything about me, you know that I am not a gardener!  This is a big accomplishment for me and I’m hoping to continue on in our efforts.

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